Surrounded by snow capped mountains and peaks up to 11,289 ft. in elevation, the view from the chairlift at Lee Canyon is absolutely postcard-worthy. The scenery could easily be mistaken for a ski resort in the likes of B.C. or Europe, but astonishingly I’m less than an hour away from the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip and its iconic hotels like The Venetian Resort and the Bellagio.
As a snowboarder passes by donning black bib snow pants and a white tank top with his arms completely exposed to the elements, I realize this could quite possibly be the first time I’ve ever gone skiing without being cold to the core. The only chill here is my ice-cold IPA served on an outdoor patio with a DJ playing in the background while my small group enjoys the après-ski vibe.
When I first told friends and family that I’d be hitting the slopes in a desert destination known for its entertainment, nightlife, shopping, dining and shows, the most common reaction I got was, “You can go skiing in Vegas?!” This unexpected outdoor outing is fitting because I’m on a mission to discover what Las Vegas has to offer beyond the Strip — and trust me, there’s way more than you may think.
Set in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Lee Canyon has undergone a US$17 million investment over the past six years including the addition of a lodge with a ski-in, ski-out bar and chairlift enhancements.
When the winter season wraps up, the year-round property becomes a popular spot for hiking, mountain biking, axe throwing and scenic chair lift rides, offering cooler temperatures and a reprieve from the summer heat downtown.
For clients who are looking to go on their own off-Strip adventure or for those who aren’t aware that the city offers so much more than slots, here are some ideas to inspire their itinerary.
HAVE A DAM GOOD TIME
Get up close and personal with the landmark Hoover Dam on a rafting excursion with Hoover Dam Rafting Adventures, roughly 40 minutes away from the Strip. The scenic ride along the Colorado River not only offers a look at the Hoover Dam from a unique vantage point but also provides insights into its history while guests sit back and relax gliding along the rugged cliffs of the Black Canyon.
“This is an exclusive concession — it’s a contract with the National Park Service and when you maintain something like that for 42 years, I feel like we’re doing a pretty good job,” shares Kathleen Wood, lead raft pilot and the geologist who created the narration used for its tours, adding that guests are often surprised to find out how much there is to do in the outdoors near Vegas. “I was on the river on Sunday and I had nine passengers, and seven of them had no interest in staying in the casinos, they were looking for places to get out on the water.”
Tours range from full-day trips to the more abbreviated Hoover Dam PostCard Tour. For another point of view, clients take get a bird’s eye view from a helicopter tour.
GET BACK ON THE HORSE
Fans of the hit show Yellowstone can unleash their inner cowboy or cowgirl and go for a sunset or sunrise horseback ride on the outskirts of Vegas in places like Sunrise Mountain. The scenic sunset ride features views of an inactive volcano and an experience that feels miles away from the action on the Strip. Tour operators include Wild West Horseback Adventures and Silver State Horseback Riding Tours. No experience is required and after a brief overview and few minutes on your saddle, I can attest that you will get the hang of it.
DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC?
Calling all Instagram lovers and photo seekers. It does not get more picture-perfect than the colourful Seven Magic Mountains art installation, a short 30 min. ride from the Strip. The large-scale desert artwork by internationally renowned Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone is made of large stacked boulders arranged in seven columns. We recommend arriving early to beat the crowds.
I SAW THE SIGN
The Neon Museum tells the story of Las Vegas through its many neon signs. The boneyard of old retired signs from casinos and businesses from all over town can be visited during the daytime or for an illuminated tour at night. Those who want to go beyond reading displays about the history of each sign can opt for a guided tour. This is another great spot for taking photos and can be booked for photo shoots or private events – even weddings.
LIKE A VIRGIN
For a memorable off-Strip stay, book the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Formerly the Hard Rock Hotel, the reimagined casino-resort reopened in March, 2021 following a US$200 million renovation. The property has a massive outdoor area with desert oasis pools, a stunning spa that is reminiscent of a Turkish bathhouse, a large theatre and a live entertainment venue.
Check your clients into The Ruby Tower for its all-suite accommodations with a private lobby. One of the features we loved is how the The Patented Lounge Bed is designed with a comfortable little reading nook at the foot of the bed. For a splurge or a special occasion, opt for the spacious Richard’s Flat, complete with a private pool table, kitchen, spacious dining room and epic views of the Strip. Another opulent option is the two-story villas with jacuzzis. For rockstars and wannabe musicians the JBL suite features a sound system and an electric guitar with speakers and a drum set.
The 1,502 chambers (Virgin lingo for rooms) and suites property offers free parking, 10 food and beverage outlets (including Nobu), and so much more.
For those who are looking to hit the open road, Vegas is also a great starting point for a road trip thanks to its close proximity to amazing outdoor scenes like Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon and the Grand Canyon.
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